Parts for a changeover are MUCH cheaper than a platter... even a decent used one. You can also buy complete replacements. That will still cost you less than a good platter & the time & labor to change the booth around.
What I think is more important is how you're running your theatre. If you only keep your shows for a short time, reel-to-reel is a better choice. If you run a lot of classic films, some distributors don't want you to chop up their prints for platter use... making reel-to-reel the way to go. If you're concerned about the very rare, but possible projector breakdown, a changeover system gives you a "backup" projector. If you keep a projectionist upstairs, a changeover booth will give him/her something to do.
On the other hand; If you run several shows a day, or run your prints for several days, or weeks, a platter can make sense. It can be said that a platter is generally easier on an overall print, as there's not as much human handling of the film during the run. If you don't have a pristine, dust and oil-free booth, this can make a difference. If you have a small staff, a well maintained and operated platter booth can require less attention during a show, making booth personnel available for other tasks.
Personally, I wouldn't make a decision to cut a changeover booth in half only because my dousers had burned out. Those things happen. Next time, fuse the douser circuit... much cheaper!
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